Hi Marje and everyone
Just the type of responses I expected. As I made sweeping generalisations with my previous response it did create some feedback. Many thanks for all your comments. All I can ask is that those that do 'freeload' these festivals please stop moaning about the lack of anything. Those who do support the events, and I know that is the greater percentage, please help the organisers by volunteering to run a session, singaround or whatever to take some of the workload from them. I'm sure they would be only to pleased with offers of help. And when you do organise a 'fringe' event and you know there are 'freeloaders' around, always have a charity box with you (the pubs all have them on the counters) and hand round as a 'collection' for non ticket holders etc (just a thought).
Enjoy the festival season everyone, sing and play wherever you are and don't forget, if you do have gripes at a festival this year, please turn them into positive improvements for next year. You can do this.